The Rajya Sabha was adjourned several time today amidst noisy scenes by Opposition Congress, which demanded resignation of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari following an adverse CAG report involving a private company, owned by his family. “ab to yet spashat hai Gadkari bhrasht hai” opposition member were heared crying in the well of House.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Shantaram Naik (Cong) said CAG in a report last week had stated that a bagasse based co-generation project of the Purti Group in which Mr. Gadkari was once a board member, did not meet conditions for availing interest subsidy from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The Minister, however, denied the charges on the floor of the House saying that the company has not committed any irregularities. Making a statement, the Minister said the norms for taking the loan have not been violated. The Congress members trooped into the well shouting slogans forcing the Chair to adjourn the House for a brief period.
“There is no allegation of fraud, misappropriation or corruption made out against me or my company by CAG. If there are irregularities, they are against the UPA government… and CAG has raised questions on it.
“This report goes to the Public Accounts Committee, I have no objection to it. I am ready for any probe. There is no question of fearing any inquiry. There is not even one per cent allegation of misappropriation, corruption or irregularity against me or my company,” the Road Transport and Highways Minister told reporters outside Parliament.